Disclaimer: Crash bandicoot was created by Naughty dog, and is owned by Activision and Vicarious visions. Please support the official releases.

In N. Brio's lab, the doctor himself was currently looking at the computer screen with a scowl on his face when he saw the stats on the screen, showing that the Bandicoots were still on the move. Not only that, but he saw that they still had a purple glowing power Crystal in their pockets that they plan to give to Neo Cortex.

"Those imbeciles. D-D-Don't they know what they're gonna g-get themselves into if they get all the Crystals for that traitor? At this rate, Earth is in t-t-trouble." Brio said.

Sure, he might've been a villain that fought against Crash when he and Cortex was still a team, but despite his stuttering and sporadic laughing that made him look like a lunatic, he still had standards compared to Cortex. And he'd rather that Earth doesn't get destroyed, or worse, turned into a wasteland.

So he felt that since the Bandicoots didn't listen to his warning about Cortex, he decided to fight the Bandicoots as he sent his minions against them like last time.

However, not even Ripper Roo was able to defeat them, as he was beaten himself. And Koala Kong was unable to block them from finding another one. But he felt that Kong will get them next time.

Right now, little does he know, he has only a trio of strong minions that shall take down the Bandicoots once they teleport to the next warp room that they should be going to.

And if not, then his next strong minion will be the one to defeat them and take back the Crystals from Cortex. Even though he's short on minions himself, so he knows that he has to be careful with his minions, or he'll have only himself to fight them. And he admits, he isn't good at fighting in close combat.

"I-I-I admit, I'm not a strong scientist, as even C-C-Cortex himself could overpower me. And I still shudder thinking about that fortress f-f-fire." He said to himself, still feeling the heebie jeebies about having to turn into a Hulking monster to fight Crash as. Only to not only lose to him, but also witness their old fortress burning to ash.

Brio couldn't stop himself as he shed a tear down his face. "And I still blame myself for causing that f-f-fire. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Now I have only my own lab to work from." He said solemnly.

"A-at least I have comfort in knowing that t-t-they have also collected those G-G-Gems along with those C-C-Crystals." Brio said with a smirk, feeling that he's getting closer to his goal, should they keep on collecting the Gems.

"But still, I must stop those Bandicoots from getting all of those C-Crystals, or they'll do something that I know they'll regret once Cortex takes over the world." Brio said. "And even though what I'm doing is a bit extreme, I h-h-have to do this. I n-n-need to do this! And they'll thank me later, if they live and see C-C-Cortex for the rat he is!" Brio said.

"Hey Brio-sama! I'm a-afraid I have some b-bad news!" An assistant said in a Japanese accent. Causing him to turn with a scowl on his face to her direction, seeing a female Bandicoot wearing a professor's outfit and his mind control helmet. Nonverbally telling her that he's listening.

"One of your fellow Bandicoot minions has been defeated. They have destroyed her helmet." She said.

"W-W-WHAT?!" Brio asked shocked. "I t-thought that helmet was sturdy!"

"Not hers I believe. And what's worse, she might be on their side now." She said.

"WHAT!? NO!" Brio exclaimed in rage and horror. "Now I have another Bandicoot to f-f-fight and d-destroy! Which minion lost her helmet?"

"The tallest and flexible of us I'm afraid." The assistant said somberly.

"Drats! Now I have only the S-s-strong one to fight those Bandicoots, and that big brain of yours b-b-better be ready to fight in a mech suit that you're gonna ride in when I send you in too." Brio demanded.

"But what about the quick one?" She asked.

"She's gonna be fighting them in the s-s-sewers in the next room, when they get there. But once she fails, then the strong one will to f-f-fight them again. So get that suit ready." He demanded.

"Yes sir Brio-sama! But there's something else." The assistant said.

"What is it this time?" He asked.

"The strong one reported that they had another ally with them that isn't that floating mask. It was the blonde ponytailed Bandicoot girl." She said.

"That B-B-Bandicoot girl?! The smart one?! B-B-But how? She should still be on the island!"

"That's what we've been reporting too. Maybe she brought a clone to them?"

"NO! That would be I-I-impossible with the resources she has. I d-d-don't know how she got there, but she too must be destroyed. Send in the strong Bandicoot!"

"Yes sir!" She responded, exiting the room for her vehicle as Brio looked at the screen again.

"I apologize for what I'm a-about to d-d-do. But you leave me no choice. Your journey for the Crystals must end in failure. And if not in that room, then the other room up ahead. And then that room after it, should you all s-s-survive it. I s-s-swear it." He growled out.

Then he looked behind him again to see a pale girl appear behind him in the shadows, as she was smiling at him with happiness. "You. Make sure that if they try to pass those C-C-Crystals to C-C-Cortex or his assistant, you shall prevent the process from being carried out. Understood?" He ordered. Causing her to nod energetically with a giggle.

The bandicoots landed in the warp room with Isabella in tow as they saw their Gems and Crystal stuck on a wall near the portal. "Whoa. What is this place." Isabella asked.

"It's a warp room. Think of this as our hub area to travel from to other worlds. Even though it's a little cold here." Tawna said, still feeling the cold air inside.

"I see. It looks pretty in here though. Very Bello. (Pretty.)"

"I agree with you on that. Even though we were in a cold place. And this room doesn't help with the cold. At least it had a fun slide though." Tawna said.

Then Isabella noticed the board that Crash set down on the wall. "What is that?"

"That is a surfboard that Cortex gave to us just in case we come to any rivers. Since Crash isn't a good swimmer, he needs that board when we're at another river." Tawna said. "I have to admit, I hope we can keep that board after we're done on this journey."

"I hope so too. It looks so Freddo. (Cool.)" Isabella said, imagining herself surfing in the waves on the same board. And with Crash surfing by her side.

Then she thought about something else that had her looking on in shock, and holding her head when she had a migraine at the memory. "Oh, dear. Remember the question I asked back in there, about the other Bandicoots?"

"Yes. Why?" Tawna asked curiously.

"Well, I remember now. There was three more of us that were my friends before we were made to wear the helmets that Brio built for us. I now know that they're still under his control, and that they must be freed." She said concerned for her friends.

"You mean, there are other Bandicoots that are your friends? Do you remember who they are?" Coco asked.

"Si. They're Megumi, Ami, with an I at the end, and Elizabeth, or Liz for short. I remember that we were there for each other when we got scared of the place that we knew isn't our home. Especially since it was their fortress that we were experimented on inside." She said, now remembering her interactions with them, how they kept on calming each other's nerves after their sessions with Brio and Cortex. And in their dungeon rooms that lacked any mirrors for them. "Thankfully, we were saved by Brio when the fortress caught fire, but it was mostly cause we were still of use for him. I hope that all of them are still alive. And if so, I hope we can save them from his mind control helmets." Isabella said, trying not to cry.

After all, they are friends with each other, and she'd be saddened to see them gone. Tawna noticed her concerned look, and put her hand on her shoulder to calm the Italian Bandicoot down.

"Don't worry Isabella. When we meet them, we'll do our best to free them too. I promise." Tawna said, not wanting to see Isabella sad.

Isabella smiled at her in response, thankful to have Tawna for a friend alongside Coco and Crash.

"Now, where to now?"

"How about there." Coco pointed at the portal, that happened to have the name, Bear it above it. Complete with bear pawprints. (Which got a giggle out of Coco and Tawna, while Isabella facepalmed at it.)

"Okay. Let's split up for a bit. Me, Crash, and Aku Aku will go in there. You and Isabella will go in the other portal. Then one of us, or all of us are going to the next one if we're all in this room once we're done." Tawna said, pointing to the portal that said Crash Crush.

"Right. We'll do it. Just make sure that big brother will be safe in your care. Coming Isabella?" Coco asked as she headed to the Crash Crush portal.

"Si, I'm coming." Isabella said following Coco into the portal. While Crash and Tawna went in the portal to Bear it.

The first thing that Crash, Aku Aku, and Tawna saw after exiting, was that they were in yet another snow path in a canyon. Which had them shivering again. "Did I mention that I'm not fond of running through the snow canyons?" Tawna said.

"Ya." Crash gibbered while nodding.

"Yes you have." Aku Aku said.

"Thought so." Tawna said as they both jogged ahead through the snow canyon hoping to find the nearest cave. All while breaking the boxes in their way for the Gem. Which was easy, and not too hard while on the ice together.

Eventually they found a cave together. Which they proceeded to enter to get out of the wind and the snow. Now they were warming up in the cave as they looked at the interor, and saw that it was like the other caves they entered, only that it was a bit bigger than last time.

And Tawna took an educated guess as to why. Being that the titular bears could be roaming the cave that they're in. Which on that note, had Tawna quickly feeling horrified at that, as she felt a shiver up her spine. "Oh no. I think we're in a bear's cave Crash." Tawna said scared. "And trust me, bears are not the type of animal that you can trifle with and walk away unscathed from. So please be careful in here. Or we're both bear chow."

"O-oday." Crash said nervously. Having learned about bears from Coco, and seeing them as cute and cuddly, yet frightening and dangerous when provoked. So he and Tawna treaded with caution through the cave.

All while making sure that the boxes they break doesn't make any loud noises that could attract the bears in the cave.

As they went though the cave, they looked around at the interior, and admired how the cave was as beautiful as the other ice caves that they entered. Even stopping once to look at their reflections. With Tawna admiring herself in the ice mirror for a bit. She felt that the polar bears could also have used the ice mirrors to look at their reflections themselves like humans do as they proceeded onwards.

Where despite their careful footsteps, they didn't step with enough care as they ended up slipping on an ice patch. Which led to the ice slide that had them falling on their backs as they slid in another ice slide in the cave. Only this one was more shorter than the last one as it lasted at least five seconds, before they ended up dropping down a hole that lead them to another section of the cave while landing with their limbs tangled. With Aku Aku close behind them.

Tawna moaned after the drop due to getting stunned. When she ended up opening her eyes, she had to stifle her shriek of fear when she saw that a Bear was sleeping in front of her face. Even though that bear in her face was an adorable cub, but she knew that even a cub could be dangerous if provoked. (And that's not getting into what it could be like with a mother by the cub's side.)

Then she noticed that Crash was in her bosom again as he tried to get up with difficulty due to being under her. Causing her to get up and back away from the cub as Crash looked around at his surroundings until his eyes focused on the cub. "Careful Crash. The momma bear would get mad if it wakes up and calls for her. Just keep quiet, and walk carefully." She whispered.

*Crash*

Not that it'll do her any good however, as the bear woke up anyway after an icicle fell down from the vibration of their fall, much to her horror. Even though Crash was merely looking on in curiosity at the cub that woke up, and yawned before looking around in wonder of what's in front of him. Which made things tense for Tawna, as she hoped the bear won't call out for the momma bear. And she hoped that Crash won't do something stupid to cause the bear to do so.

Fortunately, the bear doesn't end up making any noises of distress, rather than it just merely got up and looked at Crash with curiosity.

"Hadow!" Crash called out to the bear, holding out his hand.

The bear flinched at that, but didn't look scared as it looked at Crash's hand in curiosity. Before it then decided to give it some licks like a dog companion while Crash decided to pet it. Which the bear appreciated as it whined in approval. Much to Tawna's surprise, since she didn't think the bear would be curious and naïve of visitors.

"S-so that bear isn't mean? Whew. I thought we were screwed at this point." She said.

Then the bear ended up barking before standing up on the hindlegs while licking Crash's snout like a dog. Making him giggle in appreciation as he gestured to Tawna to come close. Which she did, even though she still kept on her toes just in case the bear ends up getting scared of her. Which it initially did, but Crash kept on reassuring it that she's a friend, and that she won't hurt it. So it merely studied her as she ended up keeping still and making no sudden movements that would provoke it.

The bear ended up merely smiling at her in greeting before barking a bit. Showing that it trusts her too. Much to her relief. "Hello there little guy, it's nice to meet you." She said petting its head.

Before Crash then explained to the best of his ability to the bear about what they're after. Which was a Gem that can be gained once they break all boxes, and a Crystal. And he hoped that the bear could be of some help to them. Which had it thinking about it for a bit. Before nodding.

And then it proceeded to walk forward a bit to the other cave mouth, like it was leading them to there, before bracing itself. "I think he's letting you ride him." Aku Aku said, pointing out that it's a male Polar bear cub.

Which Crash quickly understood. Before carrying Tawna on his back, making her gasp, before making a running start on the bear before jumping onto its back and having it roll forward before it galloped. Causing them both to ride the Polar bear like a horse, (And for Crash, like a large hog.) as it ran out of the cave and to the canyon.

Which, despite its size, and its looks, it was running as fast as one, as it was running through the canyon as it turned where Crash wants it to turn. Much to Tawna's surprise, and excitement as they were running through the canyon at a fast rate while turning to break every box that they find using the cub's strength. Even though they were feeling the cold wind on their fur.

But they didn't mind as they felt that they could get done with the Gem and Crystal at this rate as the Polar bear ran at fast speeds when Crash urged the bear forward, and jumped over the fallen statues as well as the ones that are still standing, along with jumping over the gaps in the ice that was full of ice cold water, while they also dodged around the orcas that jumped out of the water. While on the other ice patches, the bear was sliding on his belly. (Which they both thought, was an adorable sight.)

All while slowing down enough to make sure not to miss any boxes in their path that isn't a TNT box or a Nitro Box that they felt, could explode simply by touching it. Even though they missed some boxes, they had Polar doing some quick turning to go back to the box and break it before going back to their ride forward. They were having fun with their ride on the bear.

But that was coming to an end when they ended up getting to an open area with circular walls around it, where a crystal was floating in the middle of the area. "That's it! That's what we're after! Steer the bear closer!" Tawna said.

Before Crash could respond, a mechanical bear appeared out of no where and took the Crystal in its claws. Having dark colored armor all over its body, it was the stuff of nightmares for Crash and Tawna. Also, there was a glass dome on its head that had another Bandicoot mutant inside the dome. And she controlled the robotic bear from in there. And she had the Crystal in the mechanical bear's clutches.

"Oh no! It's another mutant Bandicoot like us! And she's piloting that bear?!" Tawna said shocked.

"I apologize for this. But Brio-sama ordered me to stop you from taking those Crystals for Cortex. I hope that you'll both understand." The Bandicoot said in her Japanese accent, before initiating the fight with the duo.

Which started with her trying to crush them under the mighty paws of the mechanical bear, but the bear cub was fast as it dodged the crushing paws of the bear feeling distressed. "Aku Aku! Can you find a weakness on that mech?!" Tawna asked.

He didn't need to be told twice, as Aku Aku floated around the bear to scan for anything for them to damage the bear with as the bear cub continued to run around the bear, avoiding its crushing attacks.

"I'm sure this isn't working. Time to use different weapon!" She then said before transforming her mechanical bear's claw into a laser that shot out some beams out at the bear cub and the Bandicoots.

It wasn't an automatic laser, so they had enough time to dodge the incoming laser blasts with the cub's help. All while Tawna kicked around at the mechanical bear in hopes that she can find a weak spot to hit on the bear.

Even though they both got some laser burns from the lasers grazing their fur, but they can heal from it in due time. And at least the bear cub didn't end up getting hit as well, but it knew the lasers were dangerous, and kept on dodging the lasers while yelping.

"Stand still please, it will end soon if you don't dodge my attacks." The mutant said.

Tawna the Bandicoots didn't listen however, as they kept on dodging her lasers. "I'm guessing that you're not gonna give us mercy if we do that though?" She asked.

"Sadly, no. Brio-sama ordered me to eliminate the Bandicoots, Gomen'nasai. (I am sorry.)" She said.

"Then we can't give up! We won't give up!" Tawna said determined.

Aku Aku was then able to find the weakness of the bear after a little bit of flying around it while getting ignored by her. "Hit the ankles, that should stun the bear mech for a bit." He called out.

They didn't need to be told twice. As before the mechanical bear could react, they ended up kicking the ankles of the mechanical bear causing it to fall on its belly.

Then of course, they ended up rushing to the paw of the mechanical bear before yanking out the crystal out of the paw and quickly running away.

"NO! Don't run! Give me the crystal back!" She yelled out as she had her bear mech rising back up. Before she then had the bear mech chasing after the Bandicoots and bear cub.

And despite the seemingly heavy steel body of the bear mech, it was also speedy as they saw the mech in hot pursuit of them as they were being chased by the bear that the mutant Bandicoot was piloting. And she didn't seem to be faltering in her chase as she kept on trying to gain on them.

"Can this bear go any faster?" Tawna asked Crash, who urged the cub with bursts of speed, making sure to keep some distance between the bear mech and the cub they were riding, all while breaking the rest of the boxes in their path.

Suddenly, they were at a sudden dead end of the road, as a large pile of snow was blocking their path as the bear abruptly stopped near the snow pile. Now they all were looking on in horror as the mutant Bandicoot's bear mech was now walking forward, confident that they have nowhere to run now that they're trapped at the snow pile.

"Heheheh, I'm guessing that mercy is still out the window?" Tawna asked, hoping that at least a part of the mutant Bandicoot would be merciful.

Before the mutant would respond though, a roar sounded through the air as they all turned to the source of the roar. It was none other than the mother bear that was leaping off the canyon wall with vengeance in its eyes as it pounced on the bear mech.

Tawna was relieved that it wasn't either of them that the mama bear focused her wrath on. Considering that she heard about the protective nature of the mother bear from Coco and her laptop, she felt that no matter the danger that the bear cub might end up facing off against, the mother bear would take it down with the brutality of a warrior. Even a mighty mech would be of no match for the fiery wrath of a mother protecting her children.

Case in point, despite getting some hits in, the mutant Bandicoot in the mech ended up losing to the mother bear after some minutes of combat, ending in the mech getting stomped on by the paws and hind feet of the bear. And pretty soon, the mech was destroyed without problems. While the mutant had no choice but to flee from the battle via teleportation, to fight another day.

After what's left of the mech was destroyed, the mother bear got off and focused on the cub as Crash and Tawna got off to let the cub and mother have their space as they ended up cuddling together, with the mother happy that the cub was okay. While the cub ended up telling the mother that the Bandicoots were in need of some help from him, and he merely wanted to help them since they were friendly to the cub.

Which caused the mother bear to merely give them respectful nods to them, for being nice to her cub, and at least trying to protect her cub from the mechanical bear that threatened them.

Then the mother and cub were ready to go back to the cave, but the cub ended up speaking in a bear's language to the mother one, which Tawna felt, is a request to join the Bandicoots on their journey through the world to grab the Crystals.

Like it was repaying the Bandicoots for the fun run through the canyon.

The mother bear was reluctant to let the cub go, as she wanted the bear cub to follow her back home, but Crash ended up signing to the bear that they will protect the cub with their lives if the cub goes with them. And that Earth is in danger, and that they're gonna save it. And he felt that the cub could be of good help to them. Which Tawna doubted could be understandable to the mother bear.

Only to then see the bear understanding Crash's sign language when the cub translated it to the mama bear. Much to her surprise. Now it was up to the mother bear to see if the cub can come with them.

It took a little while, but the mother bear eventually nuzzled the cub as she accepted letting the cub come with them on their journey. Just as long as the cub makes it back home once their journey is done. Which the cub promised as he and Crash proceeded to Tawna and the snow pile that blocked their path. "I'm guessing that the bear cub is our companion now?" Tawna asked, getting a nod from Crash in return. Before the cub then dug his way through the pile to collapse it so they can reach the other side with Crash and Tawna close behind.

Once at the other end of the pile, their ride on the cub resumed as the cub galloped through the canyon with Tawna and Crash on his back, making sure to break the boxes that's in his path.

"So Crashie! What're you gonna call the cub?!" Tawna asked during the ride.

Crash had to think about it for a bit, until he had an idea for the name that is pretty simple. "Polar!" He gibbered.

"Polar? Not a bad name! Welcome to the team, Polar!" Tawna said, to the now named cub as he galloped through the canyon to the end while breaking all the boxes. Giving them a Gem to earn for their troubles as they got back to the room.

Meanwhile… with Coco and Isabella,

The blonde Bandicoots were getting chased by a boulder that Coco remembered being told about by both Bandicoots, was what they also got chased by. Much to her chagrin since she was quite attached to both of them. (It's what a little sister would do.)

How they got to this moment though was simple and short. They were running through the jungle and breaking the boxes together, until suddenly they heard a roar behind them. Then turned to see the same muscular mutant Bandicoot, much to Isabella's shock and horror, seconds before the mutant tossed the boulder forward as it rolled with the intent to flatten the Bandicoots.

Fortunately, they were too fast and flexible as they dodged the pits, the mines, and even the electrified gates. Not giving a single inch to the boulder.

"What had you shocked to see that mutant before it threw the boulder? Did she seem familiar?" Coco said. Deciding to make conversation with Isabella during their run.

"Si, ovviamente! (Yes, of course!) It's Ami! That's one of the Bandicoots that I was captured with before we were given helmets!" Isabella responded.

Coco made sure not to stop in place out of shock as she stared at her with wide eyes. "Y-you mean, the mutant that we met in Snow Biz's ice slide, and the one that just threw that boulder is Ami? What was she like?"

"She was pretty full of herself sometimes due to her strength, pretty much to where she acted more like a man, but she was friendly and kind towards us, and she had a sense of humor. She was basically the strong sister of our group. One that would protect us from harm."

"And who was like the eldest sister?"

"You're looking at her. I may have my moments, but I acted as the big sister of our group alongside Liz. We had to keep us from panicking during our stay there. Especially after some of our sessions of getting experimented on. It was pretty hard, but I did a good job with her help. I just hope that I can still be like one when they're all free."

Coco ended up feeling pretty sorry for Isabella for her stay at the old Fortress of Cortex's. She initially thought that she was a monster in her mutated form, but she instantly thought of her as a friend when she was back in her true form. And she felt that none of them deserved to be mutated and experimented on by some evil scientists. She wanted to hug her, but she knew that it had to come later.

For right now, they just had to make sure that the boulder doesn't end up crushing them underneath, and they hoped that the chase would end soon.

Thankfully, it did, as they quickly came up on a path of planks that they knew could carry their weight, but not the boulder's, as they sprinted to the other side of it as they then saw the boulder now falling in the pit once the planks shattered under the weight. Now they had some minutes of catching their breath before they could move forward through the path, breaking any boxes that they see.

All while the mutant named Ami was growling at them, angered that she failed in taking them down again. But she knew she can get 'em next time.

Right now though, the Bandicoots broke every box in their path even in the split paths that they both took, one of which had the Crystal on it, before eventually getting to the exit, where they got the grey gem, and returned back to the warp room.

Where they ended up meeting up with Tawna and Crash, as they were gonna enter the portal to Eel Deal. Only to see them first. Then they noticed that there was a Polar bear cub in the room as it sat next to one of the portals.

"Aww, how adorabile! (Adorable!)" Isabella said, finding the bear cub cute looking alongside Coco. "Where did you get that?"

"We met him in the Bear It level. He was a curious bear that wanted to follow us on this journey. And with permission from the mama bear, we accepted adding the cub to the team." Tawna said. "And it was a good move, since the bear was fast for a cub."

"Wow! Awesome!" Coco said smiling at the cub. With Isabella in agreement.

"Now we have that room left, then we're going to the next warp room where we can grab more Gems and Crystals for Brio or Cortex." Tawna said, pointing at Eel Deal.

After some preparation, and having Polar stay in the warp room so he'll be safe, they entered the portal to the level.

"Yech! I didn't think that we'd be going through this place." Isabella said as they entered what happened to be a sewer level. Which was much to Isabella's dismay since sewers were disgusting to her.

"Neither did I. I feel that we should've stayed in the room to watch the cub." Tawna said, also feeling chagrined that they're in a sewer, as she too finds sewers disgusting.

But they knew that saving the planet was too important to ignore, as they bared with the disgust before following the group forward in the sewer pipes regardless of how dirty they could be in doing so.

Thankfully for them, the sewer they were in was quite clean, thanks to the brush bots that roamed in the pipes. Even though, being a sewer, they still smelled some strong stenches nonetheless as they followed Crash and Coco through the sewer.

But the stench were the least of their worries, as the sewer had some puddles of water that was knee deep for both Bandicoots, and had eels inside. "There's eels inside the water, better stay out of the water just in case!" Coco said, standing on a floating platform alongside Tawna and Isabelle.

When Crash looked at her, nonverbally asking why, the eel ended up electrifying the water before Coco could answer. Causing Crash to get shocked alongside the water as the other Bandicoots cringed at the sight of Crash getting electrocuted in the water, showing his skeleton and his pink boxers for a minute, before it ended as Crash got out of the water before falling over on the other end of the gap, with his fur singed and charred black.

"That's why." Coco said, cringing at seeing her brother getting shocked.

As well as concerned for him alongside Isabella, but she and Tawna knew that Crash can take the pain. As proven when he got up and shook his charred fur to get the soot off. Getting a confused look from Isabella.

"Don't worry. Crash can take the pain." Tawna said. "Besides, I know he now understands why he shouldn't be in the water with the eel."

Isabella knew that he should save her questions for later, as she continued to follow the trio through the sewer, going through the pipes, avoiding the waters where the eel was swimming inside, and also breaking the boxes with the Bandicoots after being told of the grey Gem being unlockable by Coco back in the boulder level. As well as what Brio plans to do with the Gems.

And she admits, she has no love for Brio, but she knew that Cortex is hardly better than whom she describes as the 'Frankenstein bolt brain.' In fact, if what Coco said is true, then Cortex is the worse of the two evils that shouldn't gain victory. And she reluctantly agreed that Brio should be the victor of this journey for now.

So, she's joining in on getting the Gems too, if so Earth will be saved from Cortex's plan. If he ever has one for Earth that is.

They treaded through the sewer pipes, while avoiding the deep puddles of water that has eels in them so none of them will get shocked like Crash did. Until they came across the fork in the road in the sewer pipes, where the path on the right has the room that is full of glowing Green Nitro boxes.

After a moment of deciding, they decided to have Crash and Isabella going to the right, while Coco and Tawna goes left. And they hope to meet up with each other whether at the other end of the paths should they unite, or should either path has a dead end, forcing them to backtrack to the fork and then follow them there.

With Crash and Isabella, they gingerly avoided the Nitro Crates on Isabella's warning to Crash that the Nitro's are like TNT crates that explodes when touched. Only the Nitro's instantly explodes, and they should avoid them like Fire.

Which Crash believed her on, since he remembers seeing the Nitro's before, and was warned by Aku Aku on why they should all avoid them. And he usually listens to Aku Aku since he was of good help in helping him save Tawna.

After that, they got to the sewer pipe that had some more dangers for them to avoid. But they were prepared for that as they braced themselves for what the pipe would throw at them as they continued onwards. Where they had to face off against some armored rats that could only be beaten by getting jumped on. Which Crash learned the hard way about as he hurt his hand, but was saved when Isabella hopped on the rat to kill it.

"You're welcome Crash." Isabella said, smirking at him.

"Dank ya." Crash gibbered out, blowing on his hand to nurse it. Before he then repeated what she did, and jumped on the rats to defeat them, before proceeding onwards.

Where they had to avoid rooms full of water that had eels inside of it that threatened to shock them if they were in the water. While they also had to avoid the Nitro Crates that floated in the water, and loitered the rooms in the sewers. As well as the heavy radioactive barrels that threatened to flatten them, and some hostile brush bots that threatened to kill them even though they were trying to clean the sewer pipes too.

Until they came across the room after the pipe, that had a green gem in their path. "Ooooh! That looks belissima! (Beautiful!)" Isabella said, loving how the Gem looks. Before snatching it into her arms. Then she thought about herself wearing the Gem as it adorns her bikini, while she poses for Crash in the bikini. (While Tawna looks on in envy from the backround.)

Her thoughts were put on hold however, when the doors end up closing on both sides, one of which had Coco and Tawna trying to rush to it when it closed, like they knew that a trap was being sprung for them.

And they were right, as the same strong mutant Bandicoot from last time, ended up dropping down from above the door where Tawna and Coco was. And she was more pissed and determined to fight the Bandicoots. Much to Crash and Isabella's horror.

Especially Isabella, who instantly knew who the mutant was. "Wait! Don't do this Ami!" She said, much to Crash's surprise as he didn't know that Isabella knew this mutant. As well as not knowing that this mutant was Ami.

Ami merely growled at them in return, before she started to charge ahead at them, trying to crush them under her hands. But they dodged the strikes since they were flexible.

Isabella knew that it'd be pointless for her to get through to Ami, so she knew she has to get the helmet off of her head first.

"Okay Crash! We must get that helmet off her! And quickly, or she might crush us!" Isabella said.

Crash nodded in return before they both had to quickly how to get the helmet off. While Ami continued to aggressively pursue the Bandicoots as Tawna and Coco banged on the door, trying to get in. "We're coming big brother! Hang in there!" Coco's voice sounded.

"Hold on Crashie! This door will go down! Hopefully soon!" Tawna said, determined to fight alongside Crash.

It took some dodging from both Crash and Isabella, which had some close calls. As well as grazing of Ami's claws on both Isabella and Crash, giving them some scratches on them. But they both ignored the pain as they just had to think up a plan to take off the helmet, as well see if Tawna and Coco can enter the room to help them.

There was some attempts, like when Isabella did some slaps and bunny jabs on Ami, trying to snap her out of her mind control for at least a moment, so she can get her helmet off. But that didn't work well as it made her angrier as she backhanded Isabella in return, sending her flying back. But Crash saved her by catching her in midair before she could hit the wall. Earning her thanks in return.

Also, Crash did some deflecting spins when Ami tried to throw some stuff at them, like pipes, or some barrels, causing him to deflect her projectiles back at her in hopes that he can hit her helmet and make it break like with Isabella's helmet.

The strong mutant merely used her arms to guard against the deflected items before they could hit her in the face, no matter how fast as they could be from Crash's spins.

The mutant also was pretty fast on her feet despite her muscular looks, as she was able to keep up with them regardless of their attempts to put some distance between them and the mutant. But the mutant still couldn't catch them in her hands as they both kept on jumping away, and dodging her strikes.

She even did some shockwaves in the room to stun them for her opening. Which only slightly worked as she stunned Crash, but Isabella kept her at bay for Crash to recover, putting her at square one, much to her frustration. But she didn't give up, as she kept up the pressure, believing that they could get tired before too long.

Thankfully for them, Crash then decided to do some spinning to get onto the mutant's head when she cornered Isabella on the ground, and get the helmet off. Which he barely succeeded at, as he got thrown across the room by the mutant after he got caught in her hands, landing with a splat on the wall. But he got the helmet off of her when he kept his grip on it when he got thrown, and he kept a hold of it in his hands throughout his flight.

And that caused Ami to show her un-helmeted face, showing her blank white eyes, before grunting and roaring at the sky in pain and defeat before she started to shrink down to around Isabella's size while her roaring got quieter. She was turning back to normal, and Isabella was relieved at that.

But first, she had to make sure that Crash is alright. So she ran to Crash's side as the doors opened up thanks to Coco's hacking on her laptop. Now they ran in to see the now unmutated Bandicoot on the ground as Isabella helped Crash to his feet. That was when he showed them the helmet that he got off of Ami. "Ba da baaaaaa!" He gibbered out with a spin.

Isabella sighed in relief, feeling proud of Crash for having been quick enough to grab the helmet, and strong enough to keep it in his hands during his flight. "That was great thinking Crash, now my friend is free. Grazie. (Thanks.)" She said, planting a kiss on Crash's snout, much to Tawna's slight envy.

Then they all payed attention to Ami, who was now rising back up from her stunned state as she held her head like she had a migraine. "Ooh geez, the drinks were fun, but now I'm paying for it." Ami said, snarking at her headache, while she also spoke in the accent that Coco and Tawna uses when they speak. Then she looked around at her surroundings. "Huh? This isn't a rock stage?"

Isabella proceeded to run to Ami in joy. "Ami! Do you hear me now?" She asked.

Ami turned to Isabella in wonder, before getting surprised at the sight. "Bells? Is that you, is it really you?" She asked, using her nickname for Isabella.

"Yes. It is me, I'm so glad you're-" She tried to say, only to get lifted in the air, and bear hugged by Ami in return, causing her to grunt.

"Hahaha! It is you! Holy crap girl, I was hoping that you were alive when we were forced to wear those helmets. Thank goodness I was right." She said.

"Thank g-goodness indeed." She said, grunting at the strong squeezing force of Ami's hug.

Ami then proceeded to put down Isabella before patting her on the shoulder. "And it's also nice to see you without those helmets on us. How did you get it off by the way?"

"It broke off. And it's thanks to them." Isabella said, gesturing to the other Bandicoots. "They got me out of mine, and one of them helped me with yours."

Ami then proceeded to look at the Bandicoots in curiosity, before she then saw that they were also Bandicoots, and potential friends of Isabella's. "Well, any friend of Isabella's is a friend of mine. Who're you guys?"

"I'm Coco. This is my big brother Crash. And this is Tawna, his girlfriend."

"Nice to meet you. Ami is it?" She said, shaking Ami's hand. While noting how strong her grip was.

"That's me. Ami. And I see that you've met and befriended bells?" She asked, referring to Isabella.

"Yep. She told us about you, as well as the other Bandicoots that are still controlled by Brio. We're helping her free them from their helmets." Tawna said. Before she then explained to Ami about why they're here, as well as their journey that they're on which involved Brio and Cortex.

"So, what you're saying is, that you're here to collect the Gems, and the Crystals for a pair of mad scientists to save the world, yet one of them is trying to take over the world while the other is trying to save it? And yet you're all trying to save us too? Well, I can see that you've got me and Isabella, which leaves… Megumi-chan, and Liz as the last ones! Well, which one is the villain?" Ami asked.

"Beats me. Cortex seems to be turning a new leaf, and yet so is Brio, but Brio tried to kill us with his minions. And I don't think he's giving up yet, even though he's probably still thanking us for the Gems." Tawna said.

"But I just know that Cortex isn't a good guy either. He has a bad plan for Earth, and I'm certain that he's gonna stab us in the back once we give him the Crystals." Coco then said. "Which is why we must continue getting the Gems too. Brio might have his moments, but he isn't a villain right now. He's just desperately trying to stop us."

"And failing." Isabella said deadpan. "But I'm certain that Coco's right. Earth is in danger, and I'm willing to help them save it from that 'force', or from Cortex's betrayal."

"Well, since you're helping them, mind if I tag along? After all, the more the merrier, right?" Ami said, wanting to help them save the world alongside Isabella.

"Considering that you're a friend of ours, of course. Welcome to the team, Ami." Tawna said, holding out her hand.

"Heck yeah! Thanks for the invitation guys! With me on your team, neither of those doctors stand a chance! And hopefully we're gonna be meeting Liz and Megumi-chan later on!" Ami said, giving Tawna an arm wrestle handshake.

"You're welcome Ami. Now, let's move guys, we're not far from the exit now. And I already have the Crystal in my pocket. So don't worry about where it is." Tawna said.

The Bandicoot gang didn't need to be told twice. As they ran forward through the sewer, avoiding the hazards through the sewer pipes and the rooms until they got to the end of the level. Where they got the Grey Gem, then stepped on the teleportation podium where they then vanished back to the Warp room with their new friend by their side.

Their adventure, was gonna get interesting from here on out.

And done.

Here's another chapter from the Crash bandicoot fanfic of mine. I hope that you guys enjoyed this chapter from me.

Also, for anybody wondering who the girl in the shadows is in Brio's room, no, it ain't yaya panda. It's someone else that I'm putting in this fic. I'm sure you guys might know who it is.

Edit: Oh, and another thing, Shout out to Calvinfuji again, for the Idea of the mother bear and Polar. Though I apologize to him that the bear isn't speaking in this part.

Finally one more thing.

I hope that you enjoyed the chapter,

please give constructive criticism, just don't be rude,

And do not forget to read and review,

and once again, I do not own Crash Bandicoot. It is created by Naughty Dog, and is owned by Activision, and Vicarious Visions.

Theodore the Poet, signing out.